Credit Terminology

Credit terminology is important in continuing education because it allows learners to track their progress and ensure that they are meeting the requirements for their profession. ASPIRE's learning experiences have specific credits that are earned by learners, which can help complete a program or maintain a certification or licensure. By understanding credit terminology, learners can make sure that they are enrolling in courses that will earn them the credits they need. Make the most of your learning by understanding what each credit means and how it helps you.

ACE - American Council on Education

Description: ACE credits are used to "recognize and quantify the value of learning experiences from various non-traditional sources," they are referring to the process of evaluating and assigning college-level credit to educational and training programs that are not part of the traditional academic curriculum offered by colleges and universities.

What are ACE Credits typically used for? Assigning ACE Credits, learning experiences from non-traditional sources receive a formal recognition that holds value in the context of higher education. PDUs are commonly used by organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) to track.

Careers ACE credits apply to: A wide range of industries and professions where certified expertise aligns with college-level learning.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Education, and IT

A-CSM-Advanced Certified Scrum Master

Description: certification offered by Scrum Alliance to practitioners who have at least a year's experience as a Scrum Master and want to enhance their skills.

What are ACSM Credits typically used for? It's for Scrum Masters who have gained more experience and want to further enhance their skills facilitating Agile practices within the team.

Careers ACSM credits apply to: Agile Coach, Project Manager, Scrum Master, Transformation Manager Agile Coaching, Team Leadership, Project and Program Management, Organizational Change Mangement, Consulting and Training, Product Mangement and Ownership, Business Analysis, Software Development and Engineering.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Healthcare, IT, and Project Management

A-CSPO- Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner

Description: certification provides advanced education to Product Owners juggling multiple business opportunities

What are ACSPO Credits typically used for? Certified Scrum Product Owners who already have at least one-year experience and who want to build their knowledge and experience and further enhance your skills to improve your outreach and work with your development teams in the most effective way possible.

Careers ACSPO credits apply to: Product Manager, Scrum Product Manager, Product Manager, Agile Product Management, Product Ownership, Agile Coaching and Consulting, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Business Analysis, Project Mangement, Digital and IT Services, Healthcare, and Education.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Education, Healthcare, IT, and Project Management

aPHR-Associate Professional in Human Resources

Description: first-ever HR certification designed for two distinct types of individuals: human resources professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and non-HR professionals.

What are AHPP Credits typically used for? The first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey, as well as for non-HR managers who manages people.

Careers AHPP credits apply to: Human Resources

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Project Mangement

AHPP-Agile Hybrid Project Pro

Description: certification is a prestigious recognition that validates a professional's competency in handling and managing projects using agile methodologies in hybrid environments.

What are AHPP Credits typically used for? certification training equips professionals with the skills to manage and lead projects using both traditional and agile methodologies.

Careers AHPP credits apply to: Agile Project Manager, Hybrid Project Manager, Agile Project Coordinator, Agile Team leaders, and IT professionals.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Project Mangement

APTD - Associate Professional in Talent Development

Description: is a professional certification for TD professionals with at least three- five years of experience. Certification for talent development professionals who are in the early part of their careers or whose professional roles and aspirations are focused on a few areas of expertise.

What are APTD Credits typically used for? Certification for talent development professionals who are in the early part of their careers or whose professional roles and aspirations are focused on a few areas of expertise.

Careers APTD credits apply to: Training and Development Specialists, Human Resources, Business Managers, Learning and Development Managers, Instructional Designers, Talent Development Managers, Organizational Development Specialists, Coaches and Mentors, eLearning Director, and Performance Improvement Specialists.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and Non-Profit

ATD CI - Association for Talent Development Certification Institute

Description: an independent organization created by ATD to take the lead and set industry standards for the talent development profession.

What are ATD CI Credits typically used for? Training and Development Specialists, Learning and Development Managers, Instructional Designers, Talent Development Managers, Organizational Development Specialists, Coaches and Mentors, eLearning Director, and Performance Improvement Specialists.

Careers ATD CI credits apply to: Training Director, Talent Development Specialist, Learning and Development Manager, Performance Consultant, and Organizational Development Practitioner.

Categories where you will find these credits: Project Management

BA PDUs-Business Acumen Professional Development Unit

Description: is a professional development unit that covers the knowledge and skills related to the industry or organization that a project manager. It is one of the three categories of the PMI Talent Triangle, along with power skills and ways of working. PMI-certified professionals need to earn at least 8 PDUs in business acumen to maintain their certification status.

What is BA PDUs Credits typically used for? credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the professional development activities that individuals engage in to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge in various fields, such as project management, business analysis, and other professional domains.

Careers BA PDUs credits apply to: Project Manager, Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Finacial Analyst, Director of Operations, and Consultant.

Categories where you will find these credits: Project Management

CBAP-Certified Business Analysis Professional

Description: professional certification for individual with extensive business analysis (BA) experience.

What are CBAP Credits typically used for? for business professionals who have worked in the field for five years or more working as a Business Analysis.

Careers CBAP credits apply to: Hybrid Business Analysis professionals, Project Manager, Testers, Quality Assurance (QA), Transformation Managers and Designers.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and IT

CBDA- Business Data Analytics Certification

Description: a certification for Business professionals who have 2-3 years of data analysis initiatives.

What are CBDA Credits typically used for? The primary aim of this certification is to validate your knowledge and skills in various aspects of business data analytics. This includes tasks such as exploring and visualizing data, creating models, analyzing statistics, developing predictive models, and solving problems through data-driven approaches.

Careers CBDA credits apply to: Business Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Data Scientist.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Data Analyst, and IT

CCBA- Certification of Capability in Business Analysis

CCBA certification: is a professional certification for ECBA professionals with at least of experience.

What are CCBA Credits typically used for? for professionals who have completed a minimum of 3,750 of Business Analysis work experience in the last 7 years.

Careers CCBA credits apply to: Hybrid Analysis professionals, Product Managers, Testers, Quality Assurance professionals, and Transformation Managers.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and IT

CCNA-Cisco Certified Network Associate

Description: a certification offered by Cisco Systems and focuses on networking knowledge and skills.

What are CCNA Credits typically used for? CCNA certification validates the foundational skill required for network administrators, engineers, and technicians. It demonstrates an individual ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot network devices and connections.

Careers CCNA credits apply to: Network Administrators, Network Engineers, Technical Support Specialists, and IT Technicians.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT and Government

CCSP-Cloud Security Professional

Description: is offered and focuses on cloud security. It covers cloud computing models, cloud architecture, governance, risk management, and compliance.

What are CCSP Credits typically used for? demonstrate your abilities in Cloud Security design, Architecture, Service orchestration, and operations.

Careers CCSP credits apply to: IT, Cyber Security, Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Consult, Systems Architect, and Security Administrator.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Education IT, Government

CPTD- Certified Professional in Talent Development

CPTD certification: is a professional certification for Talent Development professionals with at least five years of experience.

What are CPTD Credits typically used for? for professionals who have five years of related work experience and should have deep knowledge and experience applying the principles for enhancing employee talent development.

Careers CPTD credits apply to: Learning and Development Manager, Talent Development Specialists, Training Director, Performance Consultant, Organizational Development Practitioner, Corporate Trainer, E-Learning Developer, and Training Coordinator.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and Education

CEU-Continuing Education Unit

Description: credit is a standardized unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of continuing education or professional development completed by individuals in various careers and industries. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is defined as 10 contact hours (1 hour = 60 minutes) of participation in an organized continuing education experience.

What are CEU Credits typically used for? The primary purpose of the CEU is to provide a permanent record of the individuals who have completed one or more non-credit educational experiences.

Careers CEU credits apply to: Healthcare, Education, Technology, Engineering, Business and Mangement, Legal and Law Enforcement, Finance, Social Work and Counseling, Architecture, Real Estate, Fitness and Wellness, Marketing and Advertising, Public Relations, Nonprofit and etc.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Healthcare, IT, and Non-profit

CFRE-Certified Fund-Raising Executive

Description: credit required for individuals who hold the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification. credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the professional development activities that individuals engage in to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge in various fields, such as project management, business analysis, and other professional domains.

What are CFRE Credits typically used for? The CFRE certification is a globally recognized credential for fundraising professionals.

Careers CFRE credits apply to: Fundraising, Development Directors/Managers, Annual Giving Managers, Campaign Directors, Nonprofit Executive Directors/CEOs, Prospect Researcher's, Grant Writers, and Donor Relations.

Categories where you will find these credits: Non-Profit and Finance

CFP-Certified Financial Planner

Description: CPE credits are commonly used in fields accounting, finance, and other professionals that require ongoing learning to stay current with industry regulations, best practices, and emerging trends.

What are CFP Credits typically used for? The CFRE certification is a globally recognized credential for fundraising professionals.

Careers CFP credits apply to: Financial Advisors, Wealth Managers, Investment Advisors, Retirement Planners, Estate Planners, Tax Professionals, Insurance Advisors, Financial Consultants, Financial Planners, and Family Office Advisors. The CFP certification is relevant to a range of careers within the financial services industry.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Finance, Education, and IT

CGBP- Certified Global Business Professional Program

Description: certification is widely recognized as the standard of excellence in expertise and professionalism in international trade.

What are CGBP Credits typically used for? credits are used in four primary domains Global Business Management

Careers CGBP credits apply to: Global Business Management, Global Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Trade Finance.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Manufacturing

CGRC-Certified Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Description: a certification that helps compliance professionals manage company risk and follow ethical guidelines.

What are CGRC Credits typically used for? used to demonstrate your expertise in governance, risk management, and compliance, which are crucial in various fields, including Cybersecurity, audit, and IT Management.

Careers CGRC credits apply to: IT, Cybersecurity, Security Analyst, Quality Assurance Manager, IT Risk Manager, and IT Auditor.

Categories where you will find these credits: Cybersecurity, Data Science and IT

CIA-Certified Internal Auditor

Description: is offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors and is designed for professionals working in the field of internal auditing.

What are CIA Credits typically used for? is designed to validate knowledge and skills required for effective internal auditing and assurance. The professional must assess risks, evaluate controls, and provide valuable insights to improve an organization's operations and processes.

Careers CIA credits apply to: Internal Auditors, Risk Managers, Compliance Officers, and internal control analysis.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Data Science, and Technology

CIPP-Certified Information Privacy Professionals

Description: focuses heavily on privacy laws and regulations—is further broken down based upon jurisdictional reach.

What are CIPP Credits typically used for? expert in the laws and regulations covering the protection of personal data, including how those regulations are applied.

Careers CIPP credits apply to: Privacy Officer, Privacy Compliance Manager, Data Privacy Manager, Privacy Analyst, and Cyber Legal Advisor.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Data Science.

CISM-Certified Information Security Manager

Description: a certification by ISACA, focusing on Information Security Management.

What are CISM Credits typically used for? certified professionals in managing and governing enterprise information security programs. It emphasizes risk management and aligning security with business goals.

Careers CISM credits apply to: Information Risk Management, Security Managers, Security Consultants, and overseeing Security programs.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and IT

CISSP-Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Description: is ideal for experienced security practitioners, managers and executives interested in proving their knowledge across a wide array of security practices and principles.

What are CISSP Credits typically used for? a professional who have a minimum of five years of direct full-time security work experience.

Careers CISSP credits apply to: Chief Information security officer, Director of security, IT Director/Manager, Security Systems Engineer, Security Analyst and Network Architect.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Data Science, and IT

CLE-Continuing Legal Education

Description: CLE credits are units of measurement used to quantify the hours or units of professional education completed by attorneys and legal professionals to maintain their licenses and stay updated with changes in the legal field.

What are CLE Credits typically used for? CLE is a mandatory requirement in many jurisdictions to ensure that lawyers continue to enhance their legal knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

Careers CLE credits apply to: Attorneys, Judges, Legal Consultants, Legal Educators, Corporate Counsel, Government Attorneys, Legal Researchers.

Categories where you will find these credits: Education

CME-Continuing Medical Education

Description: consists of educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a physician uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession.

What are CME Credits typically used for? CME credits are important to physicians because some states require a specified number of credits annually to maintain medical licenses, and because most hospitals require a specified number of credits for their physicians to remain credentialed to see patients.

Careers CME credits apply to: Public healthcare, Doctor, Physicians, Physican assistant, Healthcare Administrators and allied health professionals all requiring continuing medical education annually.

Categories where you will find these credits: Healthcare

CPE-Continuing Professional Education

Description: credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the hours or units of professional education that individuals in certain fields complete to maintain their licensure, certifications, or memberships in professional organizations.

What are CPE Credits typically used for? credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the hours or units of professional education that individuals in certain fields complete to maintain their licensure, certifications, or memberships in professional organizations.

Careers CPE credits apply to: CPE applies to various industries, including accounting, finance, healthcare, law, technology education, human resources, IT, Project Management, Marketing, Quality Management, and more.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Education, Healthcare, and IT

CRISC- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

Description: a certification for professional's skills and knowledge in identifying and managing It and business risks, implementing and maintaining information systems controls memberships in professional organizations

What are CRISC Credits typically used for? it's used for professionals to help organizations identify, evaluate and manage IT- related risks that could impact business operations, data security, and regulatory compliance.

Careers CRISC credits apply to: IT Risk Managers, Information Security Managers, IT Auditors, Compliance Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, IT Governance Managers, and IT Consultants.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT and Cybersecurity

CSM-Certified Scrum Master

Description: This certification is for individuals who want to become effective Scrum Masters, responsible for ensuring that the Scrum team follows the Scrum framework and processes. A Scrum Master helps the team work together smoothly and removes any obstacles they may encounter.

What are CSM Credits typically used for? variety of fields and careers were Agile methodologies.

Careers CSM credits apply to: Information Technology and Software Development, Project Management, Product Management, Consulting and Coaching, Business Analysis, and Quality Assurance.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Education, and IT

DASM-Disciplined Agile Scrum Master

Description: certification is for experienced Scrum Masters who want to take their skills to a higher level within the Disciplined Agile framework. designed to validate an individual's expertise in the field of product innovation and development.

What are DASM Credits typically used for? applicable to individuals working as Scrum Masters in environments and scrum practices.

Careers DASM credits apply to: Disciplined Agile Scrum Master and Agile Team Facilitator.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Project Management

DAC-Disciplined Agile Coach

Description: certification is designed to validate an individual's expertise in the field of product innovation and development. prepares individuals to coach and mentor Agile teams and assist organizations in their Agile transformation journeys.

What are DAC Credits typically used for? Professionals engaged in guiding teams and organizations in adopting Agile practices. Fields- Consultants and Agile Coaches. applicable to individuals working as Scrum Masters in environments and scrum practices.

Careers DAC credits apply to: Agile Coach, Transformation Coach, and Agile Consultant.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Project Management

DAVSC- Disciplined Agile Value Stream Consultant

Description: focuses on understanding value stream and portfolio management.

What are DAVSC Credits typically used for? This certification is relevant for professionals who work in large enterprises organizational leadership, and responsible for Strategic planning.

Careers DAVSC credits apply to: Value Stream Consultant Portfolio Manager, Transformation Lead, and Enterprise Agile Coach.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and IT

HRCI- Human Resource Certification Institute

Description: is the premier credentialing organization for the human resource profession, setting the standard for HR.

What are HRCI Credits typically used for? distinguishes you as an expert in the HR field, with proven levels of skills and knowledge, and the competence necessary to mitigate risks and drive business results.

Careers HRCI credits apply to: Business, Human Resource Associate, Human Resource Manager, HR Coordinator, and HR Generalist,

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Education, IT, and Human Resource.

PDU-Professional Development Unit

Description: credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the professional development activities that individuals engage in to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge in various fields, such as project management, business analysis, and other professional domains.

What are PDU Credits typically used for? PDUs are commonly used by organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) to track.

Careers PDU credits apply to: Project Manager Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, Agile Coach, Project Coordinator, Project Management Officer, and Project Management Consultant.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, Leadership Skills, and Management

PMI PBA-Project Management Institute Professional Business Analysis

Description: is designed for professionals who work in or aspire to working roles related to business analysis and project management.

What are PMI PBA Credits typically used for? assesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform business analysis tasks effectively within a project management framework.

Careers PMI PBA credits apply to: Business Analyst and Project Manager.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and Project Managment

PMI-CP Project Management Institute Construction Professional

Description: is an advanced certification for construction and built environment professionals. As a higher-level certification focused on program management.

What are PMI CP Credits typically used for? professionals who work in construction industry

Careers PMI CP credits apply to: Agile Project Manager, Hybrid Project Manager, and Agile Project Coordinator.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Project Management

PMI PDUs-Project Management Institute Professional Development Units

Description: are a measurement used by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to quantify and track professional development activities that contribute to the maintenance of PMI certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

What is PMI PDUs Credits typically used for? credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the professional development activities that individuals engage in to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge in various fields, such as project management, business analysis, and other professional domains.

Careers PMI PDUs credits apply to: Business Manager, Education, Healthcare, IT, and Project Management.

Categories where you will find these credits: Leadership and Management Skills

PMI RMP-Project Management Institute Risk Management

Description: certification is focused on the field of risk management within the context of project management.

What is PMI RMP Credits typically used for? assesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform business analysis tasks effectively within a project management framework.

Careers PMI PMP credits apply to: Business Managers, Risk Management, and Project Management.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business, IT, and Project Manager

PMP-Project Management Professional

Description: is a certification assesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform business analysis tasks effectively within a project management framework.

What are PMP Credits typically used for? The PMP acknowledges candidates skilled at managing the people, processes, and business priorities of professional projects.

Careers PMP credits apply to: Business, Education, Healthcare, IT, and Non-Profit.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business

Power Skills PDUs-Power Skills Professional Development Units

What are Power Skills PDUs Credits typically used for? credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the professional development activities that individuals engage in to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge in various fields, sucha as project management, business analysis, and other professional domains.

Careers Power Skills PDUs credits apply to: Project Manager

Categories where you will find these credits: Business and Project Management

PfMP-Portfolio Management Professional

Description: is focused on Agile project management methodologies and practices, which are widely used in software development.

What are PfMP Credits typically used for? Professionals who manage and oversee portfolios of projects and programs.

Careers PfMP credits apply to: Portfolio Manager, Director of Portfolio Management, Portfolio Analyst, Strategic Program Manager, Consultant in Portfolio Management, Senior Project Manager, and Chief Operating Officer.

Categories where you will find these credits: Business

PgMP-Program Management Professional

Description: The PgMP certification is designed for HR professionals who are engaged primarily in operational roles, such as implementing HR policies, serving as a point of contact for employees.

What are PgMP Credits typically used for? experienced program managers who oversee multiple related projects and programs in Information Technology, Construction and Engineering, Healthcare, Finance and Banking, Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

Careers PgMP credits apply to: Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, Director of Program Management, Strategic Project Manager, and Program Director.

Categories where you will find these credits: Accounting, Business, Communication, Finance, HR professionals at all levels who seek to stay current in the evolving field of Human Resources

SHRMP-CP Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional

Description: This certification is designed for HR professionals who are engaged primarily in operational roles, such as implementing HR policies, serving as a point of contact for employees.

What are SHRMP-CP Credits typically used for? is used to assess the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform business analysis tasks effectively within a project management framework.

Careers SHRMP-CP credits apply to: HR Coordinator, HR Specialist, Talent Acquistion, and HR Generalist.

Categories where you will find these credits: Human Resource

SHRMP-PDCs-Society for Human Resource Management Professional Development Credit

Description: refers to the measurement unit used by the (SHRM)to quantify and document participation in professional development activities related to HR (Human Resources) and people management.

What are SHRMP-PDCs Credits typically used for? SHRM PDCs is used to track and recognize the ongoing professional development efforts of individuals who hold SHRM certifications.

Careers SHRMP-PDCs credits apply to: HR professionals at all levels who seek to stay current in the evolving field of HR.

Categories where you will find these credits: Human Resource

SHRMP-SCP-Society for Human Resource Managements Senior Certified Professional

Description: This certification is designed for HR professionals who are in senior-level positions, responsible for strategic planning and policy development

What are SHRMP-SCP Credits typically used for? is used for professionals in Senior HR Leadership, HR Management, Organizational Development, and HR Consulting.

Careers SHRMP-SCP credits apply to: HR Manager, HR Director, HR Business Partner, and HR Consultant.

Categories where you will find these credits: Human Resource